Friday, April 06, 2007

“…now glorify Him so that He may give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. And this is eternal life: to know, to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand You, the only true and real God, and likewise to know Him, Jesus as the Christ the Anointed One, the Messiah, Whom YOU have sent!” John 17:2-3 amp

I always wondered about choice of wording in “Good” Friday. I understand it is in reference to holy but why not say “Holy Friday”. Using the word good when considering the context of what happened to our Lord on this day just doesn’t seem right.

For me it has become a reminder that God knows and is the Author of the end-game! He knows how it is all going to turn out! When Jesus said, “It is Finished” I believe God said, “It is good”. You won’t find that in the bible rather my own thought process from times of reflection. But it was at that moment, the moment of death, when a “life worth living” (Prov. 3:2 amp) and eternity with the Lord would become possible. Everything that led up to that point…the pain, the suffering, the sacrifice, the abandonment, the dismay, and the despair was necessary for the end result! The end-game was now clear and with God the end-game is always good!

Whatever season of life you are in or what ever you might be facing as you reflect on what Christ did for you, I pray you are able to grasp that the One we serve is ALIVE, knows and has authored your end-game! Regardless the circumstance or what you may need if you’ll hold onto your Father, He knows your end-game and has declared, “It is GOOD!

It is a public holiday here which I think is just awesome. We will enjoy time together as a family celebrating the goodness of a redeemed life, a ressurected Lord and eternity with Him! Now that is a great end game!

I've taken salvation for granted, having grown up in the church. But, I'm reading Scriptures now as if they are all new (it helps to have the Message), and I'm starting to understand how all consuming Christ's work on the cross really is. It happened so long ago but, because Jesus is alive, His death continues to change us all... giving us that life worth living. Great thoughts, Michelle. Thanks so much.

Aisha, she teared up as I did and when it was done she asked to watch it again. She is very sensitive although I didn't feel this was too graphic and she has a good understanding of what Christ did for us as well as the 'end-game'.

She is not ready to watch the Passion film though! I don't think I was ready either.

Michelle -- I was hesitant about watching the movie, but finally rented it two years ago. It is very moving, brilliantly acted and something we all need to see -- when we're ready, of course.

That movie really made me start to think about all the hate that exists in the world today, including within me at times. It has made me that much more determinded to spread peace and love in the world (boy, did that sound corny) just by little everyday actions (a smile, helping where I can, etc.). Of course, you and your family already are spreading that peace and love, and on a much larger scale. Bless you.

happy easter friend. i agree totally with the choice of "good friday" terminology. it is a paradox really. something so ugly and so hateful can be turned to something "good" when God puts His mark on it. the bible says, "...all things work together for GOOD for them that love the lord..." AMEN ALLELULIA HE IS RISEN!Good bless you friend.

About Me

I reside in Johannesburg, South Africa with my hubby of 19 years and 3 amazing children. I have more bad hair days than good. I am a living testimony to the phrase, “Never say Never” and Proverbs 19:21 pretty much sums up my life.